Daniel Mario Montoya Iii

Daniel Mario Montoya III, 31 of Cuarteles, was called to be with our Heavenly father for eternal peace on May 24, 2013. Daniel was born in Los Alamos on November 17, 1981. Daniel graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 2000, and went on to receive a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biological Chemistry from the University of Texas at Arlington on a full academic scholarship. Daniel was one of only five that graduated, with this degree. In 2010, he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He was a research assistant in Theoretical Modeling for HCV and AIDS at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Daniel received many awards and scholarships for his outstanding academic achievements. He received the UNM Star Scholar for top 10 percent students in New Mexico. As a freshman in high school he was selected to tutor upper classmen in calculus. During the Cerro Grande fire as an outreach coordinator he organized door-to-door campaigns to raise monetary donations for the victims. He recently worked as a Budget Analyst for NM State Senator Debbie Rodella and was recognized by Senator Mary Kay Papen, President Pro Tempore, and Dep. Chief Stephen Arias N.M. House of Rep. for his efficiency and professionalism in his work performance. As a result, Daniel was offered a position as Legislative Finance Committee- Fiscal Analyst for different Advocate Agency of N.M. Daniel loved to go fishing and hunting with his dad and brother, as well as riding his Banshee four wheeler in the hills. He was a well-known folk artist who painted Retablos professionally, was featured in Sunset, Los Angeles Times, New Mexico Magazine and Book Covers. He exhibited his artwork in several museums, galleries, churches and purchased by private collectors. The New Mexico Folk Art Museum has three of his pieces in their permanent collection. Daniel also was a featured Santero at Spanish Market and received numerous awards for his Retablos. Daniel was truly loved by his family and he was the center of their world. He will be greatly missed. His impact on the world and those that loved him will be present in our hearts and souls forever. He was very compassionate and giving to others and always willing to help those in need. His best friend was his father who he always introduced to all his friends not as his dad, but as his Best Friend. Daniel is preceded in death by his grandparents Daniel and Donelia Montoya and Fermin and Mabel Vigil, uncles Enrique Montoya, Ben and Leo Vigil, aunts Juanita Vigil and Minnie Trujillo, cousin Anthony (Tony) Padilla, and favorite cousin that was like a sister, Victoria Vigil. He is survived by his parents Richard, and Theresa his sister Melissa, nephew Melaki, brother Rick and wife Patty Montoya. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and his beloved dog Tiger. "The price to pay for having someone special touch your life is the sadness you feel when they're gone. Even though it cost me tears and heartache, the memories are a bargain." A memorial service was held on May 29, 2013 at 10:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints in Espanola. Burial followed at a local cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers: Family, cousins and good friends. The Montoya family would like to thank those who have comforted them during this very difficult time and ask you to keep them in your prayers.